Antaranga

Antaranga is a Sanskrit term meaning
“internal,” “inner” or “inside.” Antaranga yoga,
therefore, refers to the inner path. It is typically associated with
the last three limbs of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, or Ashtanga yoga –
dharana, dhyana and samadhi. These yogic practices together are
referred to as antaranga sadhana (spiritual practice or spiritual discipline).
Sometimes, pratyahara, the fifth limb, is included as well. In
contrast, the first four limbs are called Bahiranga yoga
and include asanas and pranayama.

Antaranga cetana is the concept of
internal consciousness, which the yogi experiences during meditation.
In this state, there are no thoughts or external sensory perceptions.

Yogapedia explains Antaranga

Antaranga sadhana cannot be observed
from the outside, but, instead, is undertaken within and beyond the
mind. Their impact is also internal rather than external, as they
work directly on transforming the mind, moving it toward liberation
and salvation.

Pratyahara is considered a bahiranga ("external") sadhana by some yogis and an antaranga sadhana by others. It is the
transition between the external and inner practices. Pratyahara is
the transcending or withdrawal of the senses. In this practice, the
yogi observes the external world objectively to enhance his/her inner
growth.

The three other antaranga yoga
practices are:

Dharana (concentration) involves
removing the distractions of the mind by concentrating on a single
focus, which can be one of the chakras, an image, a deity, a silent
bija mantra or an object.

Dhyana (meditation) is a state of
mind similar to dharana, but dhyana is a deep meditative-like state in
which the mind has been quieted, but is aware without producing
thoughts. In dhyana, the yogi is free from distractions.

Samadhi (unity) is the experience
of transcending the self and obtaining unity with the true inner
self. In a state of samadhi, the yogi experiences no separation
between the individual and universal Consciousness. It is a state of
absolute bliss and is the ultimate goal of yoga.